KANSAS CITY, Mo -- Outdoor enthusiasts will have two things to celebrate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 22 at the Missouri Department of Conservation's (MDC) James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area: a 60th anniversary for the area and the 40th annual National Hunting and Fishing Day. Special activities are planned for visitors as MDC commemorates the conservation area’s rich outdoor sports history.

A special youth fishing pond will be open with gear provided for fly or bait fishing. Free trap shooting will be offered, with guns and shells provided or bring your own. Experts will coach target archery shooting. Other activities will include hunting dog demonstrations, fur trapping exhibits, air rifle shooting for youths, and special presentations by conservation groups and concessions.

Nell Donnelly Reed, a pioneering businesswoman noted for her Nelly Don dresses, donated 731 acres of land to MDC in 1952 for public fishing and hunting. Reed, who died on 1991 at age 102, named the area in honor of her husband, U.S. Sen. James A. Reed. He had introduced her to sport fishing and hunting.

Six decades later, the area now totals 3,084 acres with 12 lakes for fishing, hiking trails, equestrian trails, an archery range and fields with habitat managed for game and non-game wildlife. The area, tucked between Lee’s Summit and Lake Lotawana, and partially in Greenwood, is also host to the MDC Kansas City Regional Office at 12405 SE Ranson Road. Many people in the Kansas City region have memories of field trials, dove hunts and educational programs enjoyed at the Reed Area.

National Hunting and Fishing Day activities held in conjunction with the anniversary will offer newcomers a chance to learn about or enjoy outdoor sports. Accomplished outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the camaraderie and exhibits.

National Hunting and Fishing Day is observed annually on the fourth Saturday in September. President Richard Nixon signed the first proclamation for the event in 1972.

Missouri is a great place to hunt and fish, and the public is invited to come celebrate the Reed Area’s valuable contributions to the state’s outdoor heritage.

Subscribe by E-mail

Shortened URL

Permalink for this page:
http://mdc.mo.gov/node/18563

Serving Nature and You

MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources. We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature. Read more about our mission.